Newark High School senior Ethan Klock has been named a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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A letter of Commendation from the Newark High School and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) which conducts the program, was presented at the November 5th Board of Education meeting to Klock by NHS Principal Kelly A. Zielke as family members, teachers, administrators and other staff proudly watched in the NHS Large Group Instruction room.
“It is my honor to recognize one of our district’s brightest scholars who has earned a prestigious distinction _ a Letter of Commendation for the National Merit Scholarship Program,” Zielke said at the BOE meeting. “This recognition is awarded to the top 34,000 students nationwide based on their performance on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT). To be among this elite group is no small feat. It reflects years of academic dedication, personal discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Tonight, we celebrate one student whose achievement places them in the top tier of students across the country. This commendation not only honors their past accomplishments, but also opens doors to future scholarships and academic opportunities. This success is a testament to hard work and the support of family, teachers, and the entire school community. We are incredibly proud and excited to see where this student’s journey leads next.
“Congratulations on this outstanding achievement to this year’s National Merit Scholar Commended student, Ethan Klock.”
Klock is the second NHS student to achieve Commended Student status. Last year, NHS senior Lucas Herd earned the same distinction.
And what did some others have to say about Klock’s achievement?
“ I couldn’t be prouder of Ethan,” Superintendent Susan Hasenauer said of Klock who is a student BOE member. “He is an outstanding young man who is an advocate for his peers and is highly involved in everything from sports to the arts. Therefore, it is no surprise he earned and was recognized for a national commendation. I am certain he will earn many more awards and recognition this year as he approaches graduation and I can’t wait to see what his future holds next year!”
“Ethan consistently demonstrates dedication and excellence both in the classroom and on the soccer field,” said NHS math teacher Michael Palmer, who also coaches Boys Varsity Soccer. “He actively engages with advanced mathematical concepts, such as the Maclaurin series, and supports his peers in their learning. His commitment to personal growth and academic success positions him well for future achievements in college and beyond.”
“Ethan challenges himself by taking advanced courses and reading on a variety of topics. He is extremely well-rounded in all areas of academia,” said Mark Eakins, who teaches AP/Gemini U.S. History, psychology and is the 9-12 Social Studies Department Leader.
“Ethan Klock has been an outstanding student in my choir_ his dedication, curiosity, and quiet leadership set him apart. He’s deeply inquisitive and always eager to explore ideas on his own, which makes him not only a joy to teach, but a true scholar at
heart. I have no doubt that Ethan will achieve great success in life, and the National Merit Student Commendation is a fitting recognition of his exceptional promise,” said NHS vocal music teacher Kate Flock.
“Congratulations to Ethan! He brings determination and a positive spirit to our rehearsal room. Ethan’s ability to balance rigorous scholarship with his many extracurricular activities speaks to his drive to succeed,” said Emily Howard, the Newark Drama Club advisor who directs its plays and musicals and is an English 11 teacher.